My book deals with love, or more specifically, people looking for love. The characters in the story either work at a dating agency that caters exclusively to the paranormal, or they are actually using said agency. And while there are a lot of things that are different and unique about my paranormal dating agency Midnight Liaisons, there are some dating tips that are universal and wise—no matter if you have fangs, a tail, or are completely normal.

1) Keep an open mind. So you’ve met someone new through your agency and you want to meet and see if you spark. Don’t immediately rule someone out if you don’t like the way his collar is turned or if he’s wearing a cheap pair of shoes. Maybe he’s an eccentric billionaire and forgets about his shoes because he’s so busy running his business. Maybe his collar is turned a certain way to hide a vampire bite. You just never know, and so you should never rule someone out immediately. Try to understand why they might choose to dress or act the way they do, and if it’s something that’s a deal-breaker for you, or if it’s something that makes him/her unique and different. Just because you’re a werewolf doesn’t mean you can’t date a werecat.

2) Be yourself. If you’re a jeans and T-shirt kind of girl, make sure your date is set someplace that you can be comfortable. Encourage your new date that you’d like to go someplace casual and fun. A fancy dress-up date will likely make you both uncomfortable. Likewise, if you put out an incorrect first impression, it might be difficult to turn that ship around at a later date. Go in as yourself, so the proper expectations are set. For the paranormal set, this is no different. If you like a big, bloody steak to get your wilder side going, make sure your vegan date knows what to expect up front.

3) Meet at a mutually acceptable location. If you’re a vampire, don’t try to go out on a late afternoon date. If you’re dating a predator, avoid places where a mishap could happen, such as the petting zoo (which is normally full of cute, cuddly prey). Pick a neutral location that’s well lit and well populated, especially if you’re dating someone—or something—brand new to you.

4) Have common ground. While everyone says that opposites attract, it might not be much fun to date one. Oh sure, it might be exciting to date a vampire if you’re a werelion, you might not have as much in common as you’d hope. That vampire might be better off with a gorgon, as both species have a mirror handicap. Werelions might be better off dating weretigers. Hockey fans might be better off dating other hockey fans. Find yourselves common ground. One big thing in common can make a first date easier, and build the foundation for a future.

5) If all else fails, have a back-up plan. Even the best-laid plans might be derailed by a date that doesn’t know boundaries. If you find yourself with someone who’s lied about who—or what—they are, or if you feel like things are moving towards an uncomfortable scenario, have a backup plan. Establish a phone check in with a friend ahead of time, so you can comfortably end the date early if you need to. Make sure you have a back-up ride lined up, just in case. No one wants to be stranded with a handsy werewolf close to mating season, nor do vampires want to be out too close to daybreak. Don’t rely on your date to be a nice guy/girl. Make sure that you have the situation under control at all times.

Good luck on your date! May you find love and happiness. And if that’s not in the cards, just enjoy yourself. Not every date ends up with a happily ever after, and that’s OK, too!

Beauty Dates the Beast

Single human female to join charming, wealthy, single male were-cougar for a night of romantic fun—and maybe more.

Me: The tall, sensuous, open-minded leader of my clan.

You: A deliciously curvy virgin who’s intimately familiar with what goes bump in the night. Must not be afraid of a little tail. Prefer a woman who’s open to exploring her animal nature. Interest in nighttime walks through the woods a plus.

My turn-ons include protecting you from the worst the supernatural world has to offer. Ready for an adventure? Give me a call.